Russia’s submarine fleet looks less like a scene from The Hunt for Red October and “more like the hunt for the nearest mechanic”
Russian submarine Novorossiysk is shadowed by the Royal Navy frigate HMS Iron Duke. (Royal Navy)
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte took a jab at Moscow’s naval troubles on Monday, saying Russia’s submarine fleet now looks “less like The Hunt for Red October and more like the hunt for the nearest mechanic.”
His comment followed reports that the Russian Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk surfaced off the coast of France after experiencing mechanical issues. British forces tracked the sub — along with a support tug — for three days last week as they moved from the English Channel into the North Sea, according to the BBC. The Dutch Navy later assumed escort duties and confirmed that the submarine was being towed.
A Russian Telegram channel known for military leaks had claimed late last month that the vessel suffered a fuel leak while passing through the Strait of Gibraltar. Moscow dismissed the report, insisting that the sub surfaced only to comply with navigation rules in the Channel.
Rutte, however, described the submarine as “broken” and “limping” home, noting that the incident leaves “hardly any Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean,” according to Reuters.
UK Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns said the tracking effort underscored NATO’s unity and readiness in responding to Russian aggression — a message strongly supported by President Trump’s administration.
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